YMCA launches support drive

Carol Cormaci, carol.cormaci@latimes.com

The YMCA of the Foothills launches its annual support drive with a kickoff event at 6:30 tonight at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA, 1930 Foothill Blvd. More than 200 volunteers will be reaching out to their friends and neighbors, seeking tax-deductible donations during the fundraising effort, which concludes March 21. Officials hope to raise $425,000.

“Through our community support campaign, we want to educate people that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim, but an organization that does vital work thanks to the support of the community,” stated Kim Beattie, director of financial development for the local Y organization. “The Y contributes to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods through a variety of ways that benefit all of us who live and work in La Cañada, La Crescenta and Glendale.”

Beattie said the key priorities for the funds raised this year include the Y's Second Grade Swim, which endeavors to make children water-safe by second grade; teen programs and services; chaplain services; programs to empower adults 50 and up to engage in preventive health measures; and scholarships for Y memberships.